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Beer Adventure in Portsmouth and Gosport
A day exploring various beer venues in Portsmouth and Gosport, starting with Powder Monkey Brewing Co, established in a historical naval gunpowder store. I highlight the vibrant atmosphere of each location, including The Powder Monkey Taphouse and 33 Green Bottles, both rich in local history. Casemates Studios & Café, a converted fort, now combines coffee, live music, and community spirit. Urban Island Brewing Co and The Drayton Tavern emphasise community engagement with unique brews, while The Portcullis Taphouse showcases a new brewery. The exploration concludes at The Fossil Thief, a café-bar blending history with craft beer culture.
Portsmouth and Gosport sit across the harbour, tied together by centuries of naval life. Portsmouth became famous for its dockyard, the Royal Navy, and ships like HMS Victory, while Gosport played the supportive role with forts, barracks, and supplies. The ferry has always kept them close, with Portsmouth buzzing with sailors and shipbuilders, and Gosport offering a calmer, more residential feel. These days, both towns mix old naval history with modern living, and you can still feel how much the sea shaped their character.
A day out with Portsmouth Foodguide (James) and Steve.
Powder Monkey Brewing
After meeting up with James from Portsmouth Foodguide and Steve, our first call was to Powder Monkey Brewing Co / @powdermonkeybrewingco. They began in 2019 when Andy Burdon transformed an 18th-century Royal Navy gunpowder store at Priddy’s Hard, Gosport. Brewing started in July 2021 under head brewer Mark Hamblin — an Oxford University biochemistry graduate who went on to refine his skills at Black Hole Brewing. Combining scientific precision with creative recipe development, Mark has shaped the brewery’s bold, nautical-themed beers. Named after the “powder monkeys” who once carried gunpowder to the guns, Powder Monkey now runs a vibrant taproom and events space, and even supplies some Royal Navy ships — a fitting modern link to its maritime roots.
The home of Powder Monkey Brewing is Magazine E at Priddy’s Hard, Gosport — a gunpowder store built in 1879 for the Royal Navy. Back in the day, it was part of a huge munitions site supplying warships in Portsmouth, packed with gunpowder, shells, and later cordite. The place was built for safety, with thick brick walls, copper fittings, and massive blast-proof doors. After the Navy moved out, it sat empty for years, until 2019 when it was restored and given a new life as a brewery — keeping its naval heritage alive, just with more beer and less bang.
A huge thank you to Mark for taking the time to show us around and giving us such an insightful tour. It was fascinating to see the brewing process up close, hear about the history of the site, and learn how each beer is crafted with both science and creativity. Your passion for brewing and knowledge of the industry really shone through, and it made the visit all the more memorable. We left not only with a deeper appreciation for the beers, but also for the care and dedication that goes into every pint. Cheers, Mark!
The Powder Monkey Taphouse
Next was a short stroll to The Powder Monkey Taphouse opened in summer 2021 on the Priddy’s Hard waterfront in Gosport, a site that once served as a key part of Britain’s naval defences. Priddy’s Hard was home to the Royal Navy’s gunpowder magazine for over 150 years, supplying ships all over the world. The Tap House sits in one of the restored board-store buildings, just a stone’s throw from where gunpowder was once stored, checked, and loaded for war. Named after the “powder monkeys” who carried ammunition at sea, it’s now a buzzing local spot that keeps the area’s rich naval history very much alive.
Inside, the Tap House is full of character—with a standout navy-blue bar shaped like a boat, wooden boards underfoot, exposed beams overhead, and comfy nooks for groups to gather. There’s even a back room that can seat around 60 people. Outside, the waterside patio brings sweeping views: you can watch the harbour, see warships at Portsmouth Dockyard, and gaze toward Horsea Island—all while soaking up the salt-kissed air. Overall, it’s a laid-back spot where naval history meets cosy pub charm, perfect for chilling with mates or waving off a battleship in style.
A huge thanks to Jack and the team for the great welcome today. On the bar a fantastic selection of 16 keg lines to choose from. We had food while we were here, a great selection of options. I chose the “Taphouse Cheeseburger” served with large seasoned wedges. An exceptional meal, tasty and set us up for the day ahead. Beer wise I went with “Hop & Hooker Pale Ale”. A refreshing and tasty Pale Ale with some great flavours.
33 Green Bottles
Next up was to 33 Green Bottles / @greenbottles33. This place started life over in Stubbington, taking its name from its first address at 33 Stubbington Green. In 2020, it moved to 11a North Cross Street, Gosport, into a characterful early Victorian building. The place is built from yellow London stock bricks and still has a handsome old shopfront, with hints of even earlier ones nearby. It sits in Gosport’s High Street Conservation Area, so it’s surrounded by other historic buildings that give the street its old-school charm. The move gave the bar more space while putting it right in the heart of Gosport’s historic centre.
Step inside and it feels instantly cosy and laid-back. The space is small but full of character, with the original shopfront windows letting in plenty of light. Exposed brick, wooden shelves and chalkboard signs give it a warm, rustic vibe. Some fantastic artwork adorns the wall and is really a stand out feature. There’s a long counter and a few tables and stools make it easy to linger, chat or people-watch through the big windows.
Drinks wise a single cask ale is served alongside a choice of 8 keg beers to choose from in here. A sour beer in here from Electric Bear Brewing Co. “Sun of a Beach” A delicious tart sour beer with Mandarin, Mango and Lemon.
Casemates Studios & Café
Onto Casemates Studios & Café. This sits inside Bastion 4 of the Hilsea Lines, a 19th-century fort built to defend Portsmouth from land attack. The vaulted brick chambers (called casemates) once stored weapons and sheltered soldiers. After decades of neglect, the space was revived in 1994 as Casemates Studios, a rehearsal hub for local bands. In 2020, a café was added, bringing coffee and conversation to the old fort. A bar followed in 2021, and by 2023 it had become a cosy live-music spot. What was once a silent, empty defence work is now a lively, creative corner of Portsmouth’s history.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a snug, cave‑like feel: vaulted white brick ceilings, warm lighting, and cool acoustic panels overhead for sound (they’re practical and add to the aesthetic). The tables, chairs, and sofas are arranged in a welcoming, somewhat eclectic way—perfect for lingering over coffee. There’s a gentle hum of conversations, often live music playing on Sundays, and a casual, creative energy that embraces both its heritage and its community spirit. Outside a large covered seating area, heated for the colder months.
A great warm welcome from Kerry today who was fantastic. She explained the drink choices of 2 on keg and a range of cans, all showcasing local breweries (Urban Island, Powder Monkey, Staggeringly Good and MakeMake). A tour of one of the studios shows the fantastic architecture and history of the buildings. The food offerings cater for everyone including Vegan, Gluten Free and lots more. I went with a beer from local brewery Urban Island Brewing Company. A fantastic IPA hopped with Sabro and Strata.
Urban Island Brewing Co
I visited this on Friday but as its just down the road from Casemates I have included it here for completion.
Urban Island Brewing Co, founded in 2018 in Portsmouth, grew from a love of small-batch, handcrafted beer with bold character. The name reflects both its urban roots and an island-style spirit of independence. Starting out in a small unit, the brewery quickly became known for experimenting with different beers. Word spread fast, and their beers found a home in pubs, bars, and festivals across the region. With community and creativity at its heart, Urban Island has built a loyal following and a reputation for quality, making it a go-to name for craft beer lovers in the city.
The taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space where beer fans can enjoy fresh pours straight from the source. Tucked inside the brewery, it offers an ever-changing lineup of small-batch creations, from hop-heavy IPAs to smooth stouts and seasonal specials. The feel is casual and friendly, with long tables and plenty of chatter, making it easy for strangers to become drinking buddies. More than just a place for a pint, the taproom has become a community hub, celebrating creativity, conversation, and the simple joy of great beer.
A great selection on the bar of 3 cask ales, 5 keg lines and a selection of ciders to choose from. I sampled their “New England IPA”. A great juicy and hazy beer, single hopped with some fantastic flavours.
The Drayton Tavern
Out towards Drayton to visit The Drayton Tavern. This only recently opened on 1 March 2025 after local resident Dean Boswell decided the area needed a friendly gathering spot. When The Manor closed in 2023, he missed the sense of community it brought and set out to create something new. The result was a cosy local micropub designed to be welcoming for everyone, including families and dog-walkers. Since opening, it’s become a place where locals catch up, enjoy live music, and feel part of something. It’s less about fancy themes and more about good company, conversation, and keeping the community spirit alive.
From the outside, it’s a neat brick building with a welcoming sign, easy to spot on the high street. Inside, it’s warm and laid-back – a mix of wooden tables, comfy seating, and a friendly buzz that makes you feel at home straight away. Fantastic wooden beams, tapestry’s on the walls add to the great look and feel of the place.
On the bar a great mix of cask and keg, alongside a well stocked can fridge. A big focus on supporting local breweries which is fantastic to see. I went with “Pupa” from Vibrant Forest Brewery. A super juicy and super hazy New England IPA. Full of flavour and delicious.
Portcullis Taphouse
Next up is to Portchester. Here we visited The Portcullis Taphouse. This was opened by Phil and Sheryl Stenning in December 2021 and occupies a former retail unit in Portchester Precinct. Part of the UK’s growing micropub movement, it was created to revitalise the high street and offer a friendly community hub. The building, once a small shop, was transformed into a welcoming social space, quickly gaining popularity through events such as quizzes and vinyl nights. In September 2024, they expanded by launching the Portcullis Brewery along with Elliot who is the head brewer, after starting brewing at a Brewhouse and Kitchen site, in a converted shipping container at the rear, producing their first beer, “Cams Hill Roadworks,” and marking their shift from running a pub to brewing their own ales.
Outside, its signage features a bold portcullis emblem, reflecting strength and heritage, with large windows offering a welcoming glimpse inside. The interior combines rustic wood, exposed brick, and chalkboard beer lists, creating a cosy, informal atmosphere. Low lighting, communal tables, and a compact bar foster conversation. Out at the back a great small beer garden area, cosy and relaxing.
It was great to catch up with Phil again today and thanks so much for showing us around the brewery setup which is housed in a shipping container at the back. It’s great to meet people who have a fantastic passion for beers and this shone through with the delicious beer of theirs which I sampled. Drink choices on the bar included 3 cask ales, 6 keg beers and a range of ciders. The beer of theirs that I sampled was “Wumpa Juice”, a fantastic Summer Session Pale Ale, full of flavour and very refreshing.
From Beer to Eternity
From Beer To Eternity sits in Havant Park’s old keeper’s lodge, a little Victorian brick building that used to be home to the park’s caretaker. After the lodge fell empty in late 2022, the Webb family took on the lease and gave it a full but sympathetic makeover, keeping its old-world charm while giving it new life. They opened just in time for Easter weekend 2025, and locals queued out the door to get a first look. Now, instead of a caretaker, the lodge looks after the community. Bringing people together in the heart of one of Havant’s oldest green spaces.
From the outside it keeps the charm of Havant Park’s old Victorian keeper’s lodge with red brick walls, arched windows, and a setting surrounded by lawns and leafy trees. Step inside and it’s cosy and eclectic, with music memorabilia on the walls, upcycled furniture, and a friendly, lived-in feel. The refurbishment balanced history with character, keeping original details while adding playful touches. Big windows let in views of the park, and in summer, the little outdoor seating space blends into the green around it. It’s the kind of place that feels rooted in the past but very much alive today.
Drinks wise a great line up of one cask line, 7 keg lines and 3 ciders alongside well stocked fridges packed full of further options. Here I went with “Super Pupa” from Vibrant Forest Brewery. A Double version of their well known Pupa. A fantastic beer, full of flavour and really juicy and hazy.
West Street Alehouse
West Street Alehouse opened in June 2019 in what used to be the Crafty Makery. It quickly became a friendly hangout spot for locals. West Street itself has been Fareham’s main artery for over a century, once buzzing with trams, buses, and rows of butchers, bakers, and banks. In the ’70s it was pedestrianised, later joined by Market Quay and the shopping centre. The Alehouse brought new life to the street—part of a wave of small, community-focused spots breathing fresh energy into the town’s history.
Outside has a simple, welcoming front with a bold sign and a couple of benches outside—perfect for watching the world go by. Inside it’s small, cosy, and built for conversation. There’s a mix of tables and stools, warm lighting, and no loud music—just a gentle, relaxed atmosphere. The décor is unfussy but full of character, with a lived-in charm that makes you feel at home straight away.
Drinks wise a choice of 2 cask lines alongside a selection of 8 keg lines and 4 ciders. Even more choices in the fridges full of cans and bottles. A beer in here from Siren Craft Brew named “Suspended in the Hoppy Bull”. A series of American Pale Ales they have been doing each time using a different hop, this time with Solero.
The Gate Craft Bar
The Gate Craft Bar opened in November 2019 on Middle Road in Park Gate. Before it started pulling pints, the place was an estate agent—one of those high-street spots with property photos in the window. Park Gate itself grew up around Swanwick railway station, which used to send out more than 3,000 tons of strawberries a week at its peak in 1913. That trade ended in the ’60s, and the strawberry fields gave way to houses and shops. These days, The Gate is one of just a few pubs in the village and has quickly become a cosy, go-to meeting place.
Step inside and you’ll find a cosy, open-plan space that still hints at its past life as an estate agent. The big front windows flood the room with light, just like when property adverts filled them. A large area map, a nod to the days of selling houses, printer on the wall as a talking point on the wall. The bar sits where desks once stood, and the layout keeps that approachable “come in and chat” feel. It’s compact but welcoming—exactly the sort of place where you can picture deals once being made, now swapped for friendly conversations.
A great selection on the bar with 3 cask ales to choose from alongside a range of keg options and ciders. Here I went with “Simpatico” from Unity Brewing Co. A very refreshing and easy drinking American Pale Ale.
The Four-Ale Taproom
Back over to Gosport next. The Four-Ale Taproom opened in June 2018, bringing a new kind of small, independent venue to Gosport. The idea started earlier that year, when a suitable spot was found just off the high street, close to ferry and bus links. Using personal savings and a lot of hard work, most of the space was built by hand, with only a few specialist jobs contracted out. The venue’s name nods to traditional “four-ale” houses of the past, once common in working communities. Over time, it has become a familiar local fixture, known for its friendly welcome and strong ties to the community.
Step through the door and you’ll find a compact, easy-going space where everything feels laid-back and unpretentious. The long wall is lined with a simple wooden stillage, and the bar area keeps things fuss-free. Exposed brick and timber give it a hint of industrial style, while little touches—like chalkboards and local artwork—add warmth. It’s the sort of place where you can pull up a chair, chat to whoever’s nearby, and feel part of the room within minutes.
A great variety of drink options including 3 cask ales served straight from the barrel, 6 keg options and 4 ciders. A number of fridges offer further options in cans and bottles. “Liquid Hoptimism” from Glastonbury Brewing Co was my selection in here. A light, easy drinking and refreshing Blonde Ale brewed with New Zealand Hops.
Gosport Ferry
A selection of photos taken on the ferry from Gosport over to Portsmouth.
The Fossil Thief
Last call of the day was over in Portsmouth. The Fossil Thief is a new café-bar and taproom from Staggeringly Good opened in the restored Lock Keepers Cottage at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. The Grade II listed cottage, built in the 19th century, once housed the lock keeper who oversaw access between the dock basin and the harbour. Now transformed into a cosy venue serving craft beer, coffee, and pastries, it takes its name from the brewery’s dinosaur branding. Gunwharf Quays itself sits on the site of the HM Gunwharf, established in 1706 as a Royal Navy ordnance yard storing cannons, gunpowder, and later torpedoes. After centuries as a military hub, the yard closed in 1990 and was redeveloped into a waterfront retail and leisure destination by 2001, blending historic brick storehouses with modern attractions, including the Spinnaker Tower.
Inside the vibe is laid-back and a bit quirky, true to Staggeringly Good Brewery’s dino-loving style. The restored Lock Keepers Cottage keeps its old brick walls and cosy nooks, but adds warm lighting, mismatched wooden tables, and a bar lined with their own craft beers on tap. In the morning, the smell of fresh coffee and pastries drifts through; by afternoon, it’s all about pints and chatter. Big windows look out over the canal, and there’s a snug corner for lingering with friends. It’s part pub, part coffee shop, all wrapped in a friendly Portsmouth welcome.
On the bar a selection of 7 keg beers and ciders to choose from in a range of styles. I went with “Dashboard Ripples – Raspberry” from Staggeringly Good. A super tart, fruity and sour Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream fruited Sour.
Micropub Adventures 